Life Raft

[guido411]

Of the Part 91 operators that read this thread, how many of you ever carry a life raft?

For those that do, do you rent or own?

How often per year is it needed?

Do you have it inspected, how often, and at what cost?

Is there any resale value to a used raft and approximately what percent can be recoupped?

We've rented rafts in the past and it's an expensive hassle. We rent one once or twice a year, trying to get dollar figures together to see if I can justify buying one. Thx

 

[jetpig32]

Boss just bought a refurbed 10pax with emergency kit. $5,000. Good thing I am not paying for it.
If going to Bahamas/Carib, I suggest renting from Volo in FPR. I can't remember the rates, but heard they are reasonable.

 

[Hawker800]

We own ours. Only use it once or twice a year. Shop around and good used ones can be found. Yes thay do have to be inspected and recertified. We use Eastern Marine in Miami. Never had any issues with them.

 

[guido411]

If going to Bahamas/Carib, I suggest renting from Volo in FPR.

This would be ok if we went to the Bahamas from FL, typically we go from the northeast though. Or Cancuun from the south.

How do you go about finding somebody to recertify your raft? I doubt there's anybody in the midle of the US that does it which still means we would have to ship it and HazMat shipping gets spendy quick.

 

[ultrarunner]

Of the Part 91 operators that read this thread, how many of you ever carry a life raft?

For those that do, do you rent or own?

How often per year is it needed?

Do you have it inspected, how often, and at what cost?

Is there any resale value to a used raft and approximately what percent can be recoupped?

We've rented rafts in the past and it's an expensive hassle. We rent one once or twice a year, trying to get dollar figures together to see if I can justify buying one. Thx

We carry a Winslow Ultima 10/15 in the plane as standard equipment. It comes out only for the 36 month recert, which costs about a grand if I recall.

The raft is expensive, but you won't think so if you ever have to use it, and if you ever do have to use it, this is the one you want to be in. Period!

A raft can also save your bacon when you're getting ready to depart the NE or South FL, and the overland routes close and only those equipped for the blue-water routes can go. Can't tell you how many times that has happened.

Get your own raft...you won't be sorry.

 

[ksu_aviator]

We need a raft once a year and we rent from a company here in Dallas. We own the vests and they have to be reinspected every 5 years. I send them to the same company in Dallas.

 

[peter185]

We own one and it is nice not having to deal with the hassle of renting one (plus what happens if you are over Lake Saylorville and both engines quit). Elliott's sent it out for reinspection last time it was due, I have no idea what the cost was to recertify it though.

 

[cheyflyer]

I had a raft re-certified a couple years ago along with the vest (9 or 10) and I think it was around 1,200-1,500 dollars for all.

Its a shop in Broussard, LA (Lafayette) that caters to the offshore helo industry. If you want their info let me know and I will get it for you. Dont recall their name, I would have to go there which is only about 5 min from my house.

Regardless of where you are located there should be some sort of survival supply company within reasonable distance. Find one and they should be able to help or guide you in the right direction.

cf

 

[guido411]

(plus what happens if you are over Lake Saylorville and both engines quit).

Now that made me laugh!

Will have to ask Elliott's about their cost. Just having somebody else to deal with the shipping would be nice.

 

[ILOVEBEER]

I doubt there's anybody in the midle of the US that does it which still means we would have to ship it and HazMat shipping gets spendy quick.

Will have to ask Elliott's about their cost. Just having somebody else to deal with the shipping would be nice.

Don't take this the wrong way, but if you are worried about the shipping cost, you can't afford a raft, let alone an airplane. Seriously.

 

[guido411]

Don't take this the wrong way, but if you are worried about the shipping cost, you can't afford a raft, let alone an airplane. Seriously.

Don't take this the wrong way, but if you are running your operation without looking at the most cost-efficient ways of doing business than you had better be able to afford to lose your job. Seriously.

Trust me, the airplane can be afforded, it is paid off and used on a regular basis, not to mention adding a second within the last year. Part of my job is to control costs that can be controlled. This post was an information gathering attempt, one of many steps involved in making a sound business decision. I never said at any time in this thread that we couldn't afford it.

Now flame on, Flamer.

 

[ILOVEBEER]

I wasn't flaming you. Bravo to you for spending your off time finding ways to save a few bucks on shipping. Not many people would do that, myself included.

 

[caseyd]

Don't take this the wrong way, but if you are running your operation without looking at the most cost-efficient ways of doing business than you had better be able to afford to lose your job. Seriously.

Trust me, the airplane can be afforded, it is paid off and used on a regular basis, not to mention adding a second within the last year. Part of my job is to control costs that can be controlled. This post was an information gathering attempt, one of many steps involved in making a sound business decision. I never said at any time in this thread that we couldn't afford it.

Now flame on, Flamer.

My motto (stolen, I must admit): Spend it like it's your own. Seems to work.

caseyd

 

[gulfstream2345]

Rafts and regulations

Be careful if you are a 135 operator. For some unknown and probably little used FAR, rafts come in two different types. The Part 91 raft is listed as a 91/121 raft and that raft does not comply with 135. You have to get a specific 135 raft. I have no idea what the difference is and I was a FAA Inspector. Probably not too surprising to everyone but at least I admit I don't know the life raft difference.

 

[ultrarunner]

Yep, good catch on the 135 vs. 91 rafts. I can't remember the specifics either...as I recall I think it some of it is related to the "amount" of provisions and safety equipment that contained in the raft.

But in the end, you get the best raft money can buy, 'cause when you need it, you really need it!'...

Ultra

 

[pilot1704]

honestly if owner has aircraft and is too cheap to pay raft or vests????

hmmm....

title makes me think if I should work for this scummmmmba....g....g..

 

[guido411]

hmmm....

title makes me think if I should work for this scummmmmba....g....g..

As I said in previous post, not too cheap to rent or buy, not the case at all. Just doing some homework to see if there is an advantage (cost or otherwise) to owning vs. renting.

 

[ultrarunner]

As I said in previous post, not too cheap to rent or buy, not the case at all. Just doing some homework to see if there is an advantage (cost or otherwise) to owning vs. renting.

Guido411, it's all about company philosophy when you ask for the comparison.....

If you're solely looking to meet an equipment requirement for an occasional EOW ops, then yes, renting is the way to go...

But if you look at it from that standpoint of the raft as being an additional safety device in the airplane, there is NO question that you NEED your own raft.

Really is as simply as that.

 

[guido411]

Guido411, it's all about company philosophy when you ask for the comparison.....

If you're solely looking to meet an equipment requirement for an occasional EOW ops, then yes, renting is the way to go...

But if you look at it from that standpoint of the raft as being an additional safety device in the airplane, there is NO question that you NEED your own raft.

Really is as simply as that.

Well put. . .WITHOUT being condescending, thanks.